The Environmental Impact Assessment in the Polish Law – Selected Issues

Abstract

The aim of article is to show basic aspects of the procedure of the environmental impact assessment during issuing environmental decisions in the Polish law with paying attention to some changes which will come into force on 1 January 2017. The following parts of the article explain the concept of environmental impact assessment and the types of projects for which this procedure should be carried out mandatory and for which – optional. Carrying out the qualification of projects in the early stage by the authority plays an important role because it has an impact on the conduct of further administrative proceedings. The further part of this article raises a fundamental stage of the environmental impact assessment which describes which duties of the applicant (investor) and which legal protective measures should be taken by the authority to ensure the proper implementation of the procedure. In particular, the article analyzes the matter of duty of submitting the environmental impact assessment report by the applicant, opinions and arrangements carried out by the administrative authorities, as well as ensuring possibility for public participation in the procedure.